‘Disrespect to Army and Constitution’: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi for Missing Red Fort I-Day Event
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge hoisted the national flag at the event, which saw participation from party leaders across Delhi.
On Friday, the BJP criticized Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for not attending the government’s Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused Gandhi of showing disrespect to the nation and the armed forces by skipping the ceremony.
“Today, on August 15, we honor our freedom. This day belongs to the nation, not to any individual or a single party. Yet the Congress has shown that it aligns more with Islamabad or Italy than with India,” Poonawalla said.
He further claimed that by avoiding the official event, Gandhi had acted “against Modi, against India, and against the Constitution.” Referring to the Red Fort tributes for Operation Sindoor and the armed forces, Poonawalla added, “Opposing the army has become routine for Congress. The Leader of the Opposition has repeatedly expressed that he does not recognize India as a nation.”
Poonawalla also stated that Congress’s move was “an insult to the army, the Constitution, key military operations, and our martyrs and freedom fighters,” asserting, “Rahul Gandhi has disrespected the country. Even the Supreme Court has noted that his words do not reflect Indian values. In his fight against Modi and the BJP, Rahulji, you have begun opposing the nation itself.”
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi observed Independence Day at Indira Bhavan in Delhi, joining Congress workers and senior party leaders for a flag hoisting ceremony. Mallikarjun Kharge unfurled the national flag in the presence of party members from across the capital.
“Today, we remember the freedom fighters whose sacrifices earned us independence. It is our duty to protect it,” said the Congress in an official statement. Gandhi participated in the event despite rainfall, with videos from the celebrations shared by both the party and news outlets.
